Isle of Portland redefines the maritime port experience with geography that feels wild and intimate. The 6-kilometre-long, 2.7-kilometre-wide island sits in the English Channel, joined to the mainland by the Chesil Beach barrier and watched over by the dramatic Portland Bill lighthouse. The harbour here is a working, protected haven that stands apart from typical cruise ports: it offers easy access to the Jurassic Coast, historic Portland Bill, and nearby Weymouth while maintaining a peaceful, less crowded ambience. Signature experiences include guided coastal walks along the World Heritage coast, lighthouse tours, and private sailing charters within Portland Harbour; opportunities to observe regattas and training at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy; and exploring fossil-rich cliffs along the Jurassic Coast. The fleet features at Portland include deep-water berths and sheltered moorings, efficient turnaround facilities, and proximity to a premier sailing academy, enabling ships to offer guests immersive waterborne adventures and onshore activities. Onboard services for calls to Isle of Portland emphasize guest comfort and convenience: streamlined arrival and transfer arrangements, accessible information desks, curated Dorset excursions highlighting local cuisine and scenery, and onboard programs that showcase maritime history, coastal geology, and the region’s seafood hospitality.
Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language
English
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit
Apr–Aug
Typical Duration
14-18 nights
Price Range
From $1,098 pp
Port Type
Port of Call
Tender Port
No
Gateway to the Jurassic Coast and a strategic departure point for Northern European cruises exploring the UK, Ireland, and continental ports.
Cruises that visit Isle of Portland
- cruises to Isle of Portland
- Isle of Portland sailings
- Isle of Portland cruises
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 8-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 9-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Holland America Line cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 10-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 11-night Holland America Line cruise
- 12-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 12-night Holland America Line cruise
- 12-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 12-night Silversea cruise
- 13-night Holland America Line cruise
- 13-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 13-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Seabourn cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Isle of Portland
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Portland Bill Lighthouse
they do lighthouse tours and have a gift shop and coffee shop here.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
SEA LIFE Weymouth
So much to see, and even a little pool, a play area and places for food.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Sandbanks Beach
Peninsula seashore with water sports
Nothe Fort
Views, history, interactive exhibits, dressing up and a mouse hunt!
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Kimmeridge Bay
Rockpooling, snorkelling & surfing
Closed · Opens 8 AM Sat
Portland Castle
Well worth a visit, very interesting, good facilities Very enjoyable day
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture
Really cool statue overlooking the Isle of Portland.
The Cove House Inn
Good food well served and stunning sea and coastal views!
The Lobster Pot
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sat
Billy Winters
Very friendly staff, great food, fantastic location, overlooking the harbour
Nautico Lounge
Quirky deco, friendly staff and exceptional food and drinks.
Crab House Café
Unbelievable food, the freshest fish and beautifully presented.
Man O'War Beach
Canford Cliffs Beach
Swimming, restrooms & seasonal lifeguard
Quiddles Cafe
Beautiful sea view friendly staff, and a delicious menu.
Heights Hotel
Good selection of food, pleasant service and clean toilets.
Isle of Portland
Historical island with lots to do no matter the weather.
Castletown D-Day Centre
Very interactive with lots to see and do.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Premier Portland Marina & Boatyard
Really well appointed, nice shops and pretty convenient to get to.
Open 24 hours
Lidl
Good choice of own brands and branded goods at very reasonable prices.
Open · Closes 10 PM
The Pulpit Inn
Chesil Beach
Long shingle beach with cafes & fishing
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park & Nature Reserve
Free attraction with plenty of sculptures to look at.
The Eight Kings
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
White Stones Art Cafe
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Church Ope Cove
Interesting walk around the Church ruins and Pirates Graveyard.
The George Inn
Temporarily closed
Sugar Loaf Cafe
Dine-in·No-contact delivery
Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sat
Taste Cafe at Chesil Beach
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Pulpit Rock
Brilliant place with lots of exploring to do and even a few cliff climbs
The Beehive
It has a lovely little shop attached which is well worth the visit too.
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Salt at Portland Marina
Dine-in
Catch at The Old Fish Market
The dining tables are spectacular with a beautiful view of the water.
Chesil Beach Portland
The Little Ship
Dine-in·No delivery
Portland Museum
It’s very small BUT it’s compact and many things to explore.
Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Sat
Jailhouse Diner
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Tesco Superstore
Clean, well stocked and not a long wait at checkouts.
Open · Closes 10 PM
Portland Bird Observatory
An amazing resource and a must for bird watchers.
Portland Bill Lighthouse Visitors Centre
... place to visit, steeped in history with lots to learn, see and do.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Rufus Castle
Lovely castle ruins overlooking Ope Cove.
The Green Shutters
Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery
The View Cafe & Bar, Portland
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Rice And Sail
Delicious food and drink, lovely atmosphere and fantastic service.
Sandara
Excellent food, outstanding service, and a lovely atmosphere.
Corner House Inn
Curbside pickup·No delivery
The Britannia
No takeout·No delivery
The Royal Exchange
No takeout·No delivery
Sticks & Bones
Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery
Portland Social Club
La Bonita
The Tin cat
The Caribbean food is delicious very generous portions come hungry!
Smallmouth Beach
The Portland Pizza Company Restaurant At Black Barge
Dine-in·Takeout·No-contact delivery
Sandsfoot Beach
Dogs allowed
Riptide Espresso & Records
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
The Blue Fish Cafe & Restaurant
Creative cooking in a beachfront venue
Open now
Ocean Breeze Beach Bar
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Traders
Dine-in·Takeout
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Grove Prison Museum Portland Dorset
Small but informative and interesting, free entry worth a look
Temporarily closed
Luna Lounge
Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
The Cheeky Tipple
Dine-in
The Wool Shop
There is always a good selection of Wool, Materials, and Accessories.
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Portland Market
Clothes good quality and reasonable
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sun
South West Coast Path Viewpoint
Amazing walk into a little cove for a picnic.
Little Beach, Portland
Porter's Farm
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Island Gallery
Onsite services
Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
The Stone Bench
Sit here often watching the sunrise 🌅 on Portland Eastside.
Portland gifts
Lovely shop with helpful staff
Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Isle of Portland
Cruise Lines at Isle of Portland
- Viking Ocean Cruises (32 cruises)
- Holland America Line (21 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (13 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (12 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (3 cruises)
- Seabourn (2 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (1 cruise)
- Disney Cruise Line (1 cruise)
- Virgin Voyages (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Isle of Portland
Cruises Visiting Isle of Portland
Ship Schedule at Isle of Portland
Isle of Portland Location
Other Cruise Ports in England
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Isle of Portland?
A tied island in Dorset, England, connected by Chesil Beach to the mainland.
What can visitors do on Portland?
Coastal walks, lighthouse visits, watersports, and exploring the Jurassic coast.
What is Chesil Beach known for?
A barrier beach linking the isle to the mainland.
How far is Weymouth from Portland?
A short drive or cycle ride across the bridge and Chesil Beach.